COSTA MESA — Anthony Lynn noticed the difference as soon as he stepped into the room.

“Opening day,” he said. “Full house.”

Sitting in front of him at Chargers headquarters on Wednesday were dozens of reporters and videographers — the biggest media turnout the team has hosted in weeks, if not longer. The spotlight was fickle for this franchise last year, shining brightly on their relocation but dimming after their 0-4 start.

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This week, then, signaled a fresh beginning.

Yes, plenty came to Hoag Performance Center to see tight end Antonio Gates, who made his first public comments since re-signing with the team two days earlier. But even before Gates’ return, the Chargers had generated their fair share of offseason hype, becoming the de facto AFC West favorites despite a four-year playoff drought.

Most of that has been outside noise, the kind the Chargers have been eager to block out. But with the regular season finally here, the players are ready to prove themselves against expectations — especially their own.

Some of this sounds uncomfortably familiar. When Lynn was hired in January 2017, he promised to win quickly and consistently. Coaches and players alike swore that the move from San Diego to Costa Mesa would be a minor hiccup. At least one national pundit picked them to reach the Super Bowl.

And then, the Chargers lost four straight. In retrospect, a new practice facility and a new stadium make for easy culprits — even if the magnitude of their effect can’t be quantified.

Quarterback Philip Rivers acknowledged as much on Wednesday.

“Last year was new and everything was new,” he said. “What was going to be our new routine? … Now all that’s pushed aside — we know that part and everything — I just think (we’re) a little more dialed in.”

Sunday’s 1:05 p.m. kickoff at StubHub Center is just the first test. But if the Chargers stumble against Kansas City? Well, that news-conference room might start to empty out.

ROOKIE STARTERS?

Derwin James was one of the highlights of the Chargers’ offseason, a versatile safety who looks like a steal as the No. 17 overall pick. But even after intercepting Saints quarterback Drew Brees in the preseason, the rookie hasn’t quite clinched a starting job.

The Chargers released their unofficial depth chart on Tuesday, and listed James behind second-year pro Rayshawn Jenkins. That could still change between now and Sunday.

“We’ll see how the week goes,” Lynn said. “You know, young guys taking in the game plan, seeing how they catch on in a couple of days. It’s not like training camp anymore.”

The same goes for linebackers Uchenna Nwosu and Kyzir White, second- and fourth-round picks who should both push for first string this season. Even if they aren’t on the field for the first defensive snaps, all three rookies will get significant playing time against Kansas City.

Just two names were listed on the Chargers’ first injury report of the season: Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa (foot) and rookie defensive tackle Justin Jones (ankle). The former was limited during Wednesday’s practice, while the latter was a full participant.

Neither appeared in any of the Chargers’ four preseason games, but Lynn said two weeks ago that Bosa would “absolutely” be ready to play in Week 1.

Kansas City has a more serious worry this week. Safety Eric Berry, a five-time Pro Bowler, hasn’t practiced in nearly a month and sat out again Wednesday with what was listed as a heel injury. Last year, the 29-year-old tore his Achilles tendon in the fourth quarter of a season-opening win over New England.

“We’re just taking it day by day,” said Kansas City head coach Andy Reid, when asked about Berry’s status.

Jack Wang covers the Chargers, the latest NFL team to relocate to Los Angeles. He previously covered the Rams, and also spent four years on the UCLA beat, a strange period in which the Bruins' football program often outpaced their basketball team. He is a proud graduate of UC Berkeley, where he spent most of his time in The Daily Californian offices in Eshleman Hall — a building that did not become earthquake-safe until after his time on campus.